Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Successful experience accumulated by Georgia in the fight against the Asian Stink Bug to discuss at the International Conference

The scientists from 26 countries around the world- Europe, USA, Asia, the Pacific, as well as representatives of Georgian scientific circles, sectoral unions and state trustees are attending the International Conference, which is organized by the National Food Agency in Tbilisi. 

The sides discuss successful experience gained by Georgia in the fight against the Asian Stink Bug and measures taken in this regard. The strategic document will be developed under the frame of the conference, which will be further discussed at the session with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Commission on Phytosanitary Measures in Rome.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili addressed the participants of the International Conference and stated, that Asian Stink Bug is a significant challenge faced by the agricultural sector in Georgia and Georgian Government is actively implementing measures to combat the invasive pest.

"We have gained an important experience, while fighting against the invasive pest. Today's conference embraces representatives of scientific circles from 26 countries who are interested in Georgia’s experience. Thereby, sharing our experiences will be useful for them, especially in the decision making and planning processes. I hope that as a result of international cooperation, we will be able to overcome the challenge related to the brown marmorated stink bug not only at the local but at the national level as well." - said Levan Davitashvili.

At the conference, the representatives of the National Food Agency presented measures planned and implemented against the Asian stink bug in west part of Georgia  and drew their attention to the successful experience gained by Georgia over the last few years.

In 2018, chemical treatment activities against the invasive pest are taken on 790 000 hectares in 523 villages of 27 municipalities in Samegrelo, Guria, Imereti and Adjara regions.

The 2019 program for fighting against the invasive pest is based on the recommendations developed by the world and Georgian leading scientists and experience accumulated in 2017-2018. The program aims to protect agricultural crops and ultimately to reduce crop damage and economic losses caused by invasive pests.